HOUSTON — Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo provided an update on Hurricane Beryl recovery efforts in a news conference on Friday.
Hidalgo said more than 700,000 customers in Harris County still didn't have power.
"The need is enormous. It's hot, it's humid. Tensions are running high," the county judge said.
Amid reports of a CenterPoint lineman having a gun pulled on him and someone shooting pellets at a CenterPoint truck, Hidalgo reminded people that the linemen aren't to blame for the massive outage and they're working long days in the heat to restore power.
"These folks are here to help us, so please don't take it out on them," Hidalgo said.
CenterPoint said 70% of customers should have power by Sunday. The rain has slowed efforts because crews have to stop if there's lightning.
The areas where trees are on power lines will probably take longer because that's not a quick fix, CenterPoint said at the news conference.
More power crews from other areas are expected to arrive on Friday, according to CenterPoint.
There are dozens of cooling centers open across Harris County along with distribution sites for food, water and ice as well as shelters. If you need transportation, call 211.
Helpful links for Beryl recovery
Damage and debris removal
Friday's downpours added to the burden of people with roof damage who hadn't had a chance to put tarps up.
Hidalgo said over 4,400 county homes have damage and a lot of people still have trees on their homes. It can take six people a full day to remove one tree.
"A lot of suffering out there," she said.
Anyone with property damage should report it to the state because that helps determine the amount of federal funding that will be provided.
Crews have begun the huge task of removing debris from county neighborhoods and will make multiple passes but it's expected to take weeks. She also reminded everyone not to put debris in drains or ditches because they are there to help prevent flooding.
Generator safety
Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen said there have been dozens of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. The number of calls on Thursday was down to 61, a big drop from the high of 152 calls.
Christensen reminded generator users to put it at least 20 feet from their home and it shouldn't be near an air conditioning unit because the carbon monoxide can get sucked in.
You should also have carbon monoxide detectors inside your home and garage.
If you see your neighbor is using one incorrectly, go educate them.
Volunteers needed
Hidalgo asked residents to help with debris in their areas if possible.
"We don't have enough volunteers to help remove trees and other debris," Hidalgo said. "The weekend is coming up. This is the time we need you."
If you'd like to volunteer to help with storm recovery, including tarping roofs or removing debris, you can sign up at volunteerhou.org/disaster or call 211.
How the state is helping
According to Hidalgo, the state sent dozens of semi trucks with aid. She's also requested 25 trucks of ice and they're en route. Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd said they should arrive by Friday afternoon or evening.
H-E-B also donated three trucks of ice that are being handed out at the distribution sites.